What's the difference between Voodoo and Hoodoo and are Voodoo dolls a real thing? Any stories or experinces? Do you know someone that perform Voodoo? How is it done?
2007-07-11 04:11:12 · 16 answers · asked by chrissi_rawks 1 in Society & Culture ➔ Mythology & Folklore
You've put a lot of questions into one.
1. Voodoo, or Vodoun, is a polytheistic, nature-centered, magickal religion based in West Africa, where most slaves who came to the New World were from. It is also the name for the synthesis of West African polytheism/magick and Catholicism, along with a bit of Irish and Scottish folk magick, practiced in Haiti. It is a religion in its own right, not just a magickal system. Hoodoo is a system of folk magick practiced in the American South.
2. "Voodoo dolls", or poppets, *are* real. They can be used for good or bad. The effect is not as dramatic as in movies and TV shows, but it can be felt.
3. Too much to share here. Suffice it to say I am a practitioner of Haitian-style Vodoun (though I have fallen away a bit of late) and have been since 1998. I practice along with European NeoPaganism. I got into it because I was looking for something that would make sense in Florida's environment.
4. You can find a practitioner by looking for the word "botanica" (that's a store that sells supplies), "voodoo," and the name of the nearest big city to you. It's not something to do lightly on your own. You need to give honor to the Gods, or Loa. And you need to think hard about the consequences of what you plan to do, because you will feel some one way or the other. The botanica workers I've met in NYC and Orlando tend to be really amazing counselors, Dear Abby with potions and herbs, because they want to talk to you about your motivations and learn a lot.
5. Study hard if you want to take this on as a way of life, and find a real-world mentor. (Again, do a search.) Go to the botanica and find a practitioner if all you want is a spell.
2007-07-11 04:24:22 · answer #1 · answered by GreenEyedLilo 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Voodoo is a religion and hoodoo a folk belief. Both use spells and hoodoo uses herbs, spells, etc. and originates in the American South among black people. Voodoo originated in Africa. The dolls are used as a tool to concentrate on something during a spell or ritual. Yes I know people who practice New Orleans style voodoo and hoodoo. I know of a woman who used a love spell to get her man.
2007-07-11 11:17:11 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 5⤊ 1⤋
Voodoo, or Voudou, is a religion or practice (originated in the Carribean), as is Hoodoo (mainly from South America). Voodoo is a basis for Hoodoo, which is a mixture of European folk beliefs, Christianity, and Voodoo. (Hoodoo is often compared to Santeria. Both were developed from slavery, and can be associated with some Native American beliefs.)
When I visited New Orleans, I went to a couple of Voodoo shops in town. The people seemed eerie but friendly, and devout in their beliefs. Voodoo is as real to its followers as Catholicism is to Catholics. The dolls and chants are as real as rosary beads and prayer.
The most common symbol of Voodoo is the doll. It is based on 7 gods/goddesses, whereas Hoodoo incorporates religious saints, used to fool slavedrivers into thinking slaves had converted to Christianity.
There is good and bad energy in both practices. While it may be considered black magic, using herbs, chants, and religious objects, some rituals are performed for the benefit of another human being. For example, in Voodoo black pins stand for harm, while white pins stand for wellness.
These religions are quite mysterious, and often entertwined. I would suggest searching for books at the local library!
2007-07-11 11:29:08 · answer #3 · answered by Chelsea P 3 · 3⤊ 1⤋
Voodoo is real. It is a type of religion. It is not bad magic of anything evil. A lot of people think it is because of all of the negative information that is posted. It is more prevalent in Haiti than anywhere else. The people that practice voodoo are usually 100% catholic. Go figure!!!
2007-07-11 11:41:04 · answer #4 · answered by Mrs Florek 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
i dont really know about voodoo but i have voodoo earrings and they are the voodoo princess and i know voodoo can be dolls so my friend has a religion that she is not allowed to play with dolls because if she does then when she dies then they will kill her and everything like that.
2007-07-11 13:37:00 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 2⤋
Hoodoo is a rock formation commonly found were wind and the elements have eroded through sedementary rocks.
Voodoo is the practice of magic. I don't think it is real, but there was a very creepy episode of X-Files about it. I agree with previous posters about the history of voodoo but as to its legitimacy I would have to see it to believe it.
2007-07-11 11:21:12 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 3⤋
Voodoo, ad infinum spellings, is as powerful as the person who believes in it. I don't have much experience with it, but I think there is a psychological basis to it.
2007-07-11 11:14:53 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
my mom had a voodoo doll of me, yes she used it, no it didn't work. I found it in her apartment after she died, it was burned up a little. She and I had relationship issues plus she was a little unstable (obviously) I thought about keeping the doll as a keepsake of her affection toward me, but it kinda freaked me out. Yes, sadly all of this is true.
2007-07-11 11:13:20 · answer #8 · answered by don't hate snowflake 3 · 3⤊ 1⤋
Yes. It is an established religion. Great books on it in the library.
2007-07-11 11:17:32 · answer #9 · answered by lilith663 6 · 2⤊ 1⤋
Idk if it is real or not, but it still freaks me out. I know some people who have voodoo dolls and they are a little on thwe weird side.
2007-07-11 11:20:33 · answer #10 · answered by Me;; ♥ 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋